Can
ROOT CANAL and APICOECTOMY dental treatment adversely affect our health?
These treatment procedures allow us to keep our teeth, but we need to be aware
of
the side effects in order to make an informed choice, in conjunction with our
dentist.

In 1993
Dr. George Meinig, DDS, FACD, wrote Root Canal Cover-Up.* He studied the 25
years of meticulous research work carried out by Dr. Western Price early last
century. Dr. Price had a team of 60 of the nation's leading scientists working
with him and the research was carried out under the auspices of the American
Dental Association and its Research Institute. According to Dr. Meinig many
American physicians, such as Charles Mayo, Milton Rosenau, Frank Billings,
Ludwig Hektoen, Thomas Forsyth and Truman Brophy supported Dr. Price's research;
which gives evidence that once a tooth has been root-canalled it becomes open to
infection which can spread to our vital organs (medically known as focal
infection). A tooth will normally require a root filling if the nerve in the
middle of the tooth dies and becomes infected. However, it is important to note
that once this treatment is carried out the tooth is 'de-vitalised'. Dr. Ron
Carlson, D.D.S., a dentist, (also a trained chemist and biologist) from
Honolulu, Hawaii, had an interesting experience while a student at the
University of Michigan. Dr. Darly F. Ostrander, Professor of Dentistry in the
Endodontic Section, advised his students to use a euphemistic approach with
patients while presenting a case to retain the dental organ. He said "When
you are explaining the need for a root canal always use the term 'de-vital'
rather than 'dead' in reference to the tooth to be treated. You will have much
better acceptance in treatment choice, since people do not want something dead
in their mouths."! I am advised by Dr. Ron Carlson, that root canal
treatment is carried out to: "a) maintain 'no surgery' (although root canal
therapy, known as Endodontics, is a form of surgery also); b) maintain good
chewing; c) maintain the integrity of the dental arch; d) maintain good speech;
e) maintain a good appearance."

According
to Dr. Meinig, most dentists claim there is no problem with root canal treatment
and that the focal infection theory has no basis in fact. However, individuals
who have heart conditions and undergo knee and hip replacements are advised by
their doctor or dentist that they must have, throughout their lives, an
antibiotic prescription to take before and after dental treatment. He also says
that those individuals who have had root canal dental treatment and are well,
with a strong constitution and immune system, may not be aware of any symptoms,
but if they are subjected to flu, stress, accidents, overwork, or trauma of any
kind they can become vulnerable. It is well known nowadays that sugar and white
flour products affect the health of our teeth and gums. As Dr. Meinig points out
we can be on a good diet today, but the health of our teeth may have been
subjected to a poor diet as a child. However, a healthy diet can certainly help
our bodies to deal with the infections of root-canalled teeth.

Dr.Meinig's
book is also supported by Edwin C. Van Valey, D.D.S., F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D., Past
President, American Association of Endodontists, where he says: "My
awareness of the Price endodontic research about the possible harmful effects of
root canal goes back several years. Since the saving of teeth has been a strong
belief all my life, it has been difficult to accept Dr. Weston Price's research,
but now I seriously wonder whether it was wise to treat all of those teeth. We
all must keep open minds, however, and seek the truth." This presents the
question. Should we have our teeth root-canalled or, for those of us who already
have root-canalled teeth, should we have some or all of them extracted? Dr.
Price recommended that in spite of 1,174 pages of data documenting the serious
side effects of root canal treatment and the role that root filled teeth play in
the creation of degenerative diseases, he stated "don't jump to the
conclusion that all root filled teeth should be extracted" and "I do
believe there is a limit of safety for all such teeth for each and every
patient." Also, our local dentist is of the opinion that if a root filling
is done well the patient shouldn't have any problems. It would seem to us that
he does do a good job and is conscientious in his work. However, the fact
remains that once a tooth is root canalled it is a dead tooth and we need to be
careful about keeping our immune system functioning well to avoid possible
infection, both to the tooth and the vital organs. It is also important to
understand that it is very difficult to completely clean and fill all the fine
dental tubules (see information in the paragraph under "Parts of the
Tooth." below).

The decision of
whether or not to have a root canalled tooth/teeth removed is an individual
choice, but as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I believe people
need to be informed, so as to be able to make that choice, in conjunction with
their dentist. Also, if bridging or an implant becomes necessary it can become
an expensive procedure. Most importantly the tooth needs to be removed
correctly. Dr. Meinig and Dr. Carlson advise us that there is a careful
procedure to be followed after extraction of a root-canalled tooth. In his book
Dr. Meinig informs us that removal of the periodontal ligament and first
millimeter of bone is necessary as they are usually infected with bacteria. In
cutting the bone, toxins are removed and the bone is 'perturbed'. This
perturbation of bone stimulates a change from osteocytes to osteoblast cells
which generate new bone formation. Nevertheless, despite these problems, after
looking at the following evidence, I believe that if one's immune system is
compromised and serious or degenerative illness is present, it could be wise to
think carefully about having root-canalled teeth removed.

I am
including the following biographical information about my husband's experience
in case it may be of some help to others. In 1980 my husband was treated with an
apicoectomy. A type of root filling where an incision was made in the gum of a
front tooth. The root was cleaned and filled with mercury amalgam. This dental
surgery immediately had an effect on my husband's health. He began to have
severe allergic reactions, such as a metallic taste on the tip of his tongue
which sometimes became ulcerated, excessive salivation, violent sneezing and
sinusitis, severe weight loss, digestive problems and fatigue. These symptoms
were increased when in the proximity of cigarette smoke and petrol fumes. In
1986/7 he came across a book entitled "Are Your Dental Fillings Poisoning
You?"* by Guy Fasciana, D.M.D, which described the Apicoectomy process. He
was shocked that such a treatment exists, realising that the onset of his
symptoms synchronised with this dental surgery.

It
wasn't until between 1987 and 1990 that he was able to have his fillings
replaced and the apicoectomy treated and cleaned, so far as was possible, by a
dental surgeon in London. Unfortunately for my husband the apicoectomy had
apparently been badly carried out leaving a large amalgam tattoo and a
'snowstorm' of mercury fragments which were directly in contact with the
bloodstream. After carrying out extensive work, this dentist also proceeded to
do root-canal work on a tooth which we now learn (from a recent head x-ray) has
become infected and may need to be extracted. (Also, this same x-ray has shown
that mercury is still present in his mouth, particularly where the apicoectomy
was done, and our local dentist has worked to clean out the area again). Whilst
today (April 2002) he no longer suffers from an ulcerated tongue, rarely
experiences excessive salivation, and cigarette smoke and petrol fumes do not
affect him quite as much; he still has periods of the other aforementioned
symptoms, including in the past few years, muscle weakness.

I
believe it is not sensationalism to say that we believe my husband is suffering
from metal poisoning due to leakage of mercury amalgam through the bloodstream
into his vital organs and intestines, particularly the small intestine,
affecting nutritional absorption. We believe that if he had not been living on a
careful diet and working with naturopathic methods he may well be in a
wheelchair today. Obviously simply having his amalgams replaced and the surgical
work carried out was not enough and we needed to look at the options available
to detoxify. He tried herbalism (British and Chinese) and homoeopathy (merc sol)
but the affects of the detoxification was so intense for his already weakened
system that he had to look elsewhere. Acupuncture was investigated but he was
advised that his energy level was so low that he would need a very long period
of treatment before he could hope to see some improvement. Radionic treatment
was given over some period of time for detoxification and alleviation of
symptoms. This helped him to keep going but still the symptoms persisted. We
found CH7 (a combination of homoeopathic remedies for metal detoxification) and
Dentasafe mouthwash (binds the metal ions) were helpful. Our most recent
endeavour is working with some excellent nutritional products from a company in
the USA. My husband has also had treatment with a qualified classical
homoeopath, but this caused him to be so fatigued that he couldn't hardly move
about. More recently (April 2002) he has found that he can take certain products
in small doses. I list them below in case this information may be of help to
others (please see sources
for products page for more information).

During
the process of extraction the tooth can break up, making it more difficult to
remove. This happened each time my husband had a root-canalled tooth extracted.
Last time a root couldn't be removed in the dental surgery of a previous
dentist, he was referred to a dental hospital to have it surgically extracted,
along with two other teeth. As my husband's vital energy was so low at this
point, we decided not to go along this route. Also, at this point we changed our
dentist.

My
husband feels that there is a tendency among doctors to assume that teeth
problems should be referred to dentists, and among dentists that ill health
problems should be referred to doctors; when in fact neither appear to
appreciate the correlative and interconnectiveness between teeth and our overall
health, as indicated in this article. So where does that leave the patient?
Further, this may explain why, in some cases, people with various health
problems who have been subjected to tests by the medical profession are advised
that no apparent cause can be found for the symptoms of their ill-health.

PARTS
OF THE TOOTH

Dr.
Meinig and Dr. Carlson inform us (see above diagram) that the pulp chamber,
which is located in the crown portion of the tooth, contains nerve tissue,
vascular tissue (blood vessels), lymphatic tissue and 'odontoblasts', the
connective tissue of the living cells of the dentine. The root canal chamber
holds pulp tissue etc. The root canals are situated within the root canal
chambers. Dentin, containing dental tubules, surround this area. According to
Dr. Price dentists carry out root canal treatment which generally is successful
in cleaning out the root canal, but there are still untreated dental tubules
surrounding the root canals from which these germs can pour toxins into your
body which affect your heart, kidneys, lungs, eyes, stomach, brain, and
countless other body tissues. Dentists may say this is old research, that
antibiotics are able to control all focal infections; but experiments carried
out by Dr. Price showed that the infection cannot be killed by antibiotics
because the dentin tubules lose their blood supply connection when nerves are
removed from teeth, and antibiotics are unable to reach the bacteria. Also,
quoting Dr. Meinig: "The perfect filling of a root canal should completely
fill and seal the canal to the very tip of the root. With all the research done
by untold numbers of investigators, this idea has yet to be accomplished".
This means that: "Bacteria could escape from the tooth through tiny spaces
or porosity of the root canal filling materials and packing methods for leakage.
None proved successful in preventing the escape of organisms. All leaked into
the bloodstream surrounding the tooth". The tooth is a living organ,
supplied with nutrients, blood and lymphatic tissue.

In 1996
Dr. Ron Carlson wrote a thesis entitled "Bio-logical Dentistry and our
Electromagnetic Body", in which he informs us that in the hope of retaining
a de-vital (dead) organ, the tissue, for various reasons, is replaced with
Sargenti's paste, Z.O.E. paste, or another substance in the hope of retaining
the tooth. However, it should be noted that pulp that is being replaced is
gangrenous, because tissue death due to loss of blood supply is termed
'gangrene'. The words 'de-vital', 'dead', 'necrotic' and 'gangrene' ultimately
mean the same.

Dr.
Carlson further states "The dental structures: the teeth, gums, bone
ligaments and associated structures of the body are the only areas where noxious
substances, poisonous toxins are routinely placed without careful questioning.
Mercury, lead, chromium, gold, palladium, and other unknown trace elements are
systematically placed with little concern for bio-compatibility". From Dr.
Carlson we also learn that root canal fillings can include toxic substances, for
example Dr. Sargenti's Paste, developed and advanced during the 1970's is still
in practice and contains the following ingredients: The liquid has 76% eugenol,
20% peanut oil, 2% rose oil and 2% lavender oil. The powder mxed with the
aforementioned liquid contains 4% titanium dioxide, 6.5% paraformaldehyde, 9%
bismuth subcarbonate, .09% phenylmercuric borate, 61% zinc oxide, 3% barium
sulfate, 4% bismuth submitrate, 11% lead tetraoxide, 1.2% hydrocortisone, and
0.21% prednisolone. Quoting Dr. Carlson: "Most of the elements just
mentioned are bio-toxic. Yet, it is common to use such materials in teeth since
they are not perceived by the medical profession to be 'in' the body or
'connected' with the other vital systems of the human organism." Dr.
Carlson informs us that in the Journal of Endodontics (12:124, 1986) an
experiment was carried out on Sargenti's Paste, with and without corticosteroids
(anti-inflammatory substances) and Z.O.E. (zinc oxide powder and eugenol liquid)
the classical filling paste now utilised in root canal work. This study was
carried out at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. They found that
"all three materials caused some degree of tissue necrosis (death), with
the Z.O.E. causing the least". (Quote from Endodontic Newsletter, Hawaii).
Dr. Carlson goes on to explain that he was informed by one of the leading
endodontists (dentist) in Honolulu that "although techniques have improved,
the materials have remained the same." The basic root canal material used
today is gutta percha filler (a purified milky substance from a tree) and some
type of sealer (a fluid, paste-like material). Furthermore, root canalled teeth
may appear to be in good condition, but they can still affect our health. Dr.
Price describes the following experiment. He was concerned about a patient who
was confined to a wheelchair with severe arthritis. Although all her teeth
appeared to be in good condition he decided to extract her one root-canalled
tooth. He immediately embedded the tooth under the skin of a rabbit which in two
days developed the same kind of crippling condition. (Whilst I strongly disagree
with animal experimentation of any kind, I believe this nevertheless gives some
weight to Dr.Price's thesis).

During
the last few years a good deal of information has come out about the adverse
effects of mercury amalgam from fillings, but the effect of mercury from
apicoectomy and the side effects of root-canal treatment has only been
available, in this country, through little known books such as Are Your Dental
Fillings Poisoning You? by Guy Fasciana and Root Canal Cover Up by George Meinig,
both published in the USA. Here's Health Magazine carried out a campaign on the
adverse effects of mercury amalgam some years ago.

The
public needs to be more informed about the possible side effects of this dental
treatment. For the dental profession to simply say that 'more research is
needed' in my opinion does not stand up, in the light of 25 years of meticulous
research by Dr. Price which clearly showed how the diseases of ill patients were
transferred to animals by way of extracted root filled teeth; and how many
recovered from various illnesses (some life threatening) after root canalled
teeth were removed. As individuals we need to become more informed about the
health risks involved with certain aspects of dental treatment so that we have a
better chance of making informed decisions.

For
further reference: The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT),
72 Harley Street, London W1N, Tel: 0171 580 3168, Fax: 0171 436 0959. Quoting
from their information: "They are a worldwide organisation of dental
practitioners and health practitioners who are concerned about the effect of
dental techniques and dental materials commonly used today." They also have
a list of dentists who are members of the IAOMT who understand this subject or
have attended a two day seminar on this topic, and have an understanding of the
root filling issue. If you write to them please enclose a sae.

Since
writing this document I came across the following in "The British Medical
Association's Complete Health Encyclopedia", published by Dorling
Kindersley, reprint 1998, p.881, in which I learned that apicectomies are still
carried out today (see penultimate paragraph):

"Root-canal
treatment.
A dental procedure performed to save a tooth in which the pulp (the living
tissue within a tooth) has died or become untreatably diseased, usually as the
result of extensive dental caries.How it is done
X-rays are taken to establish the length of the pulp cavity. Root-canal
treatment may be performed after administration of a local anaesthetic. To
prevent infection, a rubber dam (a small sheet of rubber) is used to isolate the
tooth from the saliva.Root-canal treatment.
1) A hole is drilled into the crown to remove all material from the pulp
chamber. The root canals are then slightly enlarged and shaped with fine-tipped
instruments. The procedure is usually monitored by x-rays.
2) The cavity is washed out, and antibiotic paste and a temporary filling are
packed into it. Some days later, the filling is removed and the canals are
checked for sterility.
3) When no infection can be detected, the cavity is filled with a sealing paste
and/or tapering solid 'points' made of gutta-percha resin mixed with zinc and
bismuth oxides. The roots are then sealed with cement.
The main steps in root-canal treatment are shown in the illustrations, including
removal of the pulp, sealing with a temporary filling, checking for infection,
and the final filling and sealing of the tooth.Complications.
If the pulp cavity has not been filled completely, bacteria may enter, leading
to apical periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues around the root tips). It
may then be necessary to make an opening in the gum and bone overlying the
affected root to allow pus to drain. In some cases, an apicectomy (removal
of a small portion of the root tip) and filling of the area with amalgam may be
necessary.Results
Teeth whose pulp cavities have been filled may function well for as long as
normal teeth. Treated teeth may, however, turn slightly grey; if a tooth is
unsightly, its appearance can be restored by bonding by the fitting of an
artificial crown, or by bleaching." (My emphasis - TD)